Barcelona

With the autumn internationals upon us once again, Iain had a week off and we hummed and hawed over how we wanted to spend it. Finally, we decided that we would pack up the car and head east, and over the border into Spain with our destination as Barcelona. I feel like I've heard loads about this city over the years; tourist magnet; beautiful buildings; amazing food; great people; brilliant beaches. It was time to go. 

We set off on Monday morning, heading east towards Perpignan before turning right and heading over the Pyrenées into Spain. Just after we crossed the border, we decided to stop for a quick bite to eat. I was astounded that in some little backwater service station, they had safe, gluten free food on their menu. Welcome to Spain, eh? 

We had booked four nights at the Casa Gracia hostel which was right in the heart of the city. As part of our booking we also had parking which was in the tiniest of underground parks. Thank god we didn't have the berlingo for this trip as we'd have never gotten it down the ramps. We had booked ourselves a 1 bedroom apartment and it was totally amazing. Great size, modern decor, comfortable beds, separate sleeping space so we could put William to bed before us. All in all, perfect for our family. 

Here's the trendy bar downstairs (that we didn't manage to get a drink at), and Iain and William relaxing in reception. 

The first evening we went for dinner at a Korean BBQ grill place which was less than 10mins walking distance from our hostel. Once again, I was reminded that being gf in Spain is easy. The menu had gf options and I was able to eat safely and happily. 

Our first morning involved us getting to grips with the main parts of this city by taking a walking tour of the old town. It was a great way to become acquainted with the maze-like streets and alleyways of El Gòtica and get a bit of an understanding of the people, history, culture and politics of this region. I think it's fair to say, William made his feelings very clear about the walking tour before it even began. 

After our tour wrapped up, we headed up the main street, Passeig de Gracia, towards our hostel, but stopped for pinxtos and sangria on the way. Again, gf options a plenty. 

"Excuse me sir, I ordered the large sangria?"

And here's some of the typical Gaudí architecture which is dotted all over the place as you wander around. 

Later that evening, after our sangria induced afternoon naps, we went for dinner at the much publicised Messi, an entirely gluten free restaurant about 15mins walk from where we were staying. Experiences like this don't come along often for me so when they do, I tend to go a little mental. This was no different; we ordered three different meals from the menu, just so we could taste more things, and shared everything out between us. Not only was is just amazing to be able to order things safely, but the food itself was absolutely delicious. I had caprese, pasta with truffle, and the mexican pizza and Iain had another pizza. We arrived when the place was just opening but by the time we left, there wasn't a single free table. Just showed you how big the market is for gf food. When will the french catch on?

Wednesday saw us really getting our tourist on with a trip to see Gaudí's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. The photos of this just don't do it justice. For starters, the size of the place is breathtaking. It's visible right across the city. Then when you get up close, and finally head inside, the architecture is nothing like you'll have ever seen before, particularly in a religious building like a catholic cathedral. And then there's the simple fact that they started building the thing in 1882 (136 years ago) and it's still not done! It is, essentially, still a building site! Mental. 

After subjecting William to so much tourist stuff, we felt it was time to just let him run wild for a wee while. We grabbed some sushi and went to one of the many kids playgrounds dotted around the city. He loved it.

We had some down time in the afternoon back at the hostel then headed out for a wander around the shops in the early evening. We grabbed dinner at burger place called Bacoa (bit of a rigmarole for me, but I got something) then as William was shattered we just headed straight back up the road via the bevvy shop. ;-)

On Thursday morning, it was time to visit the other cathedral in Barcelona. The Nou Camp. I really enjoyed the day, but Iain loved it. It's just such an impressive set up. It was really simple too; a short bus ride and then a full visitor experience. They're certainly pulling in their tourist euro here.

 Chapel on the stairs leading to the tunnel. An opportunity for players to have a quick word with the Big Man before heading onto the pitch. 

Once again, we had some downtime in the afternoon to recharge our batteries. This holiday was actually the first time William had slept in a proper bed (rather than a travel cot) and he did really well. We chose to move the mattress off the bed and onto the floor and he was brilliant. Snuggled in with Bunny and Elephant, and sleeping right through. He did throw us a little by deciding on night one that he would be sleeping with his "mouth out", ie no dummy and although he gave it a shot, it didn't last long! Anyway, perhaps it's time for him to be move out of his cot on a more permanent basis?   

With confidence growing due to our Nou Camp adventure, we decided to get on another bus in the late afternoon, this time heading out to the beach. Lots of questionable street traders lining the very tourist trail from the marina out to the beach but it was busy so we still felt safe. It was a nice time to head out, and lovely to be at the water again. Definitely enjoyed a couple of dusk gin and tonics while we researched the best seafood restaurants in the area. We decided on one and off we went, hoping for something good. Turns out Paco Alcalde is where Pep Guardiola goes for his paella and there were photos of him up on the walls with the owner. As something of a Pep fanboy, you can imagine Iain's delight when we walked in the door. It's safe to say Pep goes here for a reason. The food was reasonably priced and it was absolutely outstanding. Iain reckons some of the best seafood he's ever had. And it wasn't some fancy pants place; it was a simple, family run restaurant with great service and authentic, fresh food. 

We rounded off our meals with William getting wired into some Spanish tiramisu type pudding, meanwhile we got wired into some Spanish grappa type liqueur. If I remember correctly, it's called orujo. Certainly warms you up before heading out into the cool autumn air! 

To finish off our evening and, actually, our last night in Barcelona we wandered up La Rambla and into El Gòtica (keeping our bags close!), stopping at different places for overpriced tourist sangria. Sometimes you just need to embrace getting ripped off! 

We had a reasonably relaxed morning, having breakfast, getting our stuff together, and packing the car up in the smallest car park with the steepest ramps I have ever been in. Our drive back to France was spectacular. We chose to drive west, inland, through Spain before heading north over the Pyrenees via Laspuña and Bielsa (Spain), and coming into France at Aragnouet. With so many hairpin bends, even the view on the sat nav was cool! 

Another brilliant trip, and more kms on the clock for William.
LM ;-)